Three visiting lectures bring different spiritual points of view to Portland in the next several days. A Catholic theologian considers the Trinity, a noted Muslim scholar discusses pluralism and Islam in the West and an activist-author looks at the intersection of the Bible and homosexuality. Here are details:

"Quest for Meaning: Pluralism and Islam in the West" is a lecture by Tariq Ramadan, a professor at Oxford University and one of Time magazine's top 100 most influential thinkers. He'll speak at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at First Unitarian Church in downtown Portland. Ramadan has sparked controversy with his calls for reform of Islam and respect for and from other religious traditions. Born in Switzerland, he was banned from the United States for several years. He is the author of several books, including "In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad" and "What I Believe." Tickets are $10, $5 for students and $20 to attend a 2 p.m. reception with Ramadan. Sponsors include World Affairs Council of Oregon, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and First Unitarian Church.

"God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality" is the title of a new book by Jay Michaelson, who'll speak twice on April 17: at 4 p.m. in the Native American Student Cultural Center, 710 S.W. Jackson St., at Portland State University, and at 7 p.m. at the Q Center, 4115 N. Mississippi Ave. The New York activist writes about biblical passages often interpreted as condemning same-sex relationships. He is the founder of Nehirim, a national provider of community programming for LGBT Jews and their supporters. His lectures are free and open to the public.